Horn Book Review
Kaya, a Nez Perce Indian girl, tries to reach out to an injured stranger, with unexpected consequences. Despite an illustrated afterword, which provides some historical information about the Nez Perce, it's difficult to know what is fact and what is fiction in the slow-moving, messagey story. Character development is slight, but fans probably won't mind. Glos. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6. In this entry in the Kaya Mystery series, the tribe is preparing for the winter Nez Perce Spirit Dances when an injured stranger arrives. The young woman's hands are badly burned, she sleepwalks, and she seems unable to speak. Despite misgivings, the tribe takes the woman in, and Kaya tries to befriend Hawk Woman, as she calls the stranger, even though the woman takes Kaya's dog, Tatlo, for her own. It's only after Kaya rescues Hawk Woman from a snowstorm that she finally learns the stranger's story. Shaw's narrative emphasizes tribal values (caring for the less fortunate, honoring the deceased) and the everyday life of the Nez Perce prior to European contact. There's not much drama beyond uncovering Hawk Woman's story, and the ending seems somewhat contrived, but readers who have enjoyed Kaya's previous mysteries will want to read this all the same. --Kay Weisman Copyright 2005 Booklist
